God is not only at work within the borders of North Korea, but is also working powerfully among North Koreans in China. A local Chinese believer told us that he takes care of a North Korean toddler. He explains that the little girl was born to a North Korean defector mother and a Chinese father, "Her mother was arrested, and her father is an alcoholic. I was asked to take care of her, and so I agreed. The feelings of rejection and abandonment had left deep scars on the young child. She was very sensitive and could not get along with others. However, she is doing much better now and has begun to play with other children. It breaks my heart to see so many children in this situation; they should be raised by their loving parents. It is obvious to see what these children will be like when they grow up. I feel so ashamed to see so many churches and Christians sitting by and not doing anything. I am regretful that I cannot take care of more children due to my finances. I just wish that I could raise more children with love, faith and hope. "

Open Doors worker Sun-Hi (alias) travels to meet with North Korean refugees. Some confess they believe, but are unsure of what all that entails. Others tell her they came to faith earlier, but abandoned their beliefs because they could not continue to read the Bible and pray after they returned to North Korea. "I tried to encourage them when they came back to China, and taught them how to stay faithful, but it's so difficult to train people when they have different levels of understanding," shared Sun Hi. "Sometimes, I have to start all over again and explain things like creation and salvation. I also met some North Koreans hiding under a makeshift tent in the mountains. I could not really give them any education, but arranged that food was taken to them."
One person who was trained by Sun-Hi wrote this thank you letter to God.
Dear almighty God,
Thank you for your grace for sending these teachers and giving us the wisdom and intelligence so that we can learn more about Your words.
And thank you again for protecting us and giving us abundant food every day. I pray that Your words and gracious hands can be reached to our brothers and sisters living in North Korea soon. Please help us to learn more about Your words so that we can preach them to our nation. I pray that Your Will be done in the land of North Korea in the near future. Please protect us from Satan's attack and also remember our families back in North Korea.
I pray this in the name of the living Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord, God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, sovereign over the nations, we lift before Your presence Your church in North Korea, whose voices of praise are suppressed in silence, but whose testimony shouts the victory of Christ who is establishing His Church in this land whose government stands in open rebellion to You. We stand amazed at the gratitude and hope of believers who experience earthly terror, yet have eyes opened to see Your presence. We pray for North Koreans in China; that You will protect them from danger and lead them to Christian homes where they will hear Your Word, and that You will turn their hearts toward You in saving faith. We pray for Your protection over Your Chinese servants as they minister gentle and grace-filled care over these beleaguered pilgrims. Provide the resources they need, and as they sow the seed of Your Word, we pray that You will grant a harvest of souls who enter into Your Sabbath-rest. In the name of Jesus, the lover of our souls, Amen.
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CHANGE of Face Does Not Mean Change of Character. Oct 20 2014. North Korea. North Korea, #1 on the World Watch List for the 12th consecutive year, is experiencing some unprecedented changes. The god-like status of the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-Un, and his predecessors leaves no room for any other religion, and the worship of this family dynasty has gone unquestioned for decades.

Since the Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un's recent hospitalization, and failure to make a public appearance since early September; speculations are flying about the implications concerning the power of the dynasty. Since his disappearance, high-ranking officials have stepped into the limelight without giving public tribute to their Supreme Leader. In the past, this behavior was unheard of; those who dared to even hint at thinking differently than the ruling leader were either imprisoned or put to death.

The latest developments confirm what many already believe: Kim Jong-Un is no longer holding absolute power. Though this does not mean that the North Korean regime is about to crumble, it does provide validity to rumors of divisions.

Former North Korean propaganda poet and high-ranking official, Jang Jin-sung, offered an analysis of how the North Korean delegation, which attended the closing ceremony of the Asia Games, failed to pay sufficient reverence towards their Supreme Leader. For example, Hwang Pyong-so, the country's number two, came to Seoul with suited bodyguards, while only the leader is supposed to have visible security. "A blunt and arrogant demonstration of power," Jang says.

A smiling Hwang also informed reporters that Kim Jong-Un was "well", but any questions about the leader's health should have provoked an enraged response. Inquiring about Kim's well-being is normally viewed as insulting the Supreme Leader.

According to Jang and other analysts, North Korea appears to be in strategic disarray. One moment the country throws colorful insults to South Korea's President Park, and yet a few days later, a delegation of high-ranking officials arrives in Seoul to talk. The lack of a coherent strategy does not mean the North Korean regime will implode soon. It does confirm the possibility that a powerful elite group holds the real power, but it needs Kim Jong-Un (or someone else of his bloodline) to legitimize their rule. At the same time, they are afraid that the inexperienced and untested Kim will make mistakes that will eventually lead to their downfall.

Even if the regime becomes more "multi-faced", it is unlikely that this will lead to different policies. Because Hwang and others at the heart of North Korea's powerbase want to preserve their power, a "China-like reform" is unlikely to occur. The execution of Kim Jong-Un's uncle and guardian, Jang Song-Thaek (a friend of China), and a recent third nuclear test that disregarded China's protests, has significantly cooled the relationship between the two countries. Hwang and other high-ranking delegates appearance in South Korea last week may have been an attempt to charm the South and other countries. China is still the North's most important supporter, but for how long?

These recent developments indicate that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear ambitions, its military first policy, and its violations of human rights. The presentation of a different face does not change the character of the regime. For Christians in North Korea, this means that there will not be any significant changes anytime soon. Christians, as well as others viewed as political opponents, will continue to be fiercely persecuted and treated as enemies of the state.

If it is true that Kim Jong-Un no longer holds absolute power; it does not mean that the regime will become more vulnerable. "We need to be prepared for every scenario," says the Open Doors' coordinator for North Korea. "And we need to pray. This is a very urgent time for prayers."

Father, we pray for North Korea in the sure knowledge that You are sovereign over the nations, even over Kim Jong-Un and others who do not acknowledge Your existence. We pray that You will touch the hearts of North Korean leaders; that You will soften their hearts toward their people and draw them into Paul-like conversions. We pray that You will break the power of the forces of evil bringing about change—soon—and that prisons and labor camps will be dismantled and people will truly be free. We pray for godly wisdom for the international community as it considers how to deal prudently with North Korea. We pray for the underground church there, forced into fear and isolation, that they will grow in their knowledge of You and their relationship to Christ. Make Your presence known to them in tangible ways, and overwhelm their fear with Your peace as they seek to walk with You in the midst of circumstances beyond our comprehension. We also pray for the work of Open Doors; channels of Your loving work in strengthening beleaguered North Korean believers in their faith. In the name of Jesus, the only object of our worship and faith, Amen.
Flag of North Korea. Leader: Kim Jong-Un. Government: Communist dictatorship
Main Religion: Atheism/traditional beliefs. Population: 24.5 million (300,000 Christians)
Source of persecution: Communist oppression/ Dictatorial paranoia
2014 North Korea (560)

Christian Persecution in North KoreaFor the 12th consecutive year, this is the place where Christian persecution is most extreme. The God-like worship of the leader, Kim Jong-Un, and his predecessors leaves no room for any other religion, and Christians face unimaginable pressure in every sphere of life. Forced to meet only in secret, they dare not share their faith even with their families, for fear of imprisonment in a labor camp. Anyone discovered engaging in secret religious activity may be subject to arrest, disappearance, torture, even public execution.
PRAY:

For the 50,000-70,000 Christians imprisoned in labor camps. Ask God to sustain them.
That God would change the heart of Kim Jong-Un, and use him to reform the country.
For protection for Open Doors workers and contacts bringing practical and spiritual support to believers.
Alina Bayhon-Campos • amen alleluia North Korea

Thanks for this. This caused me to pray even harder for the Christians in N Korea and for the leadership to find that they too need a Savior. Praying for a hedge of protection around Open Doors workers and the N Korean Christians and for them not to lose hope for the Lord is coming soon to give them the physical rest that they are hoping for, Praise the Lord for the faithfulness of these Christians and God's faithfulness to them!

Betty Edwards • amen alleluia North Korea

As we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ each month being persecuted around the world, please pray for
the church here in the west. Pray God would open their eyes, they woud seek God,s heart for those suffering and in masses join God'sArmy of intersessors for the persecuted

Ian Mason • amen alleluia North Korea

Having seen reports of this country in the papers and news Lord we pray that you will break through the emptyness that we see in the people there and that the message of Jesus will break into that land. Amen
Doug Titus • amen alleluia North Korea

I've been watching some videos & reading some on this country in recent months. The brainwashing & the cult worship of the Kims, especially in Pyongyang, is utterly beyond the pale. I believe there needs to be a spiritual breakthrough in this area.
sherma • amen alleluia North Korea

Father i lift up the country of North Korea to you, open every blind eyes, deaf ears so that they can see you for who your are Lord. There father , faithful friend, comforter and counselor Father for every Christians in this country i decree your strength, your favor, your grace, your protection and your blessings. father every door that is close i decree they be open in the name of Jesus, father just as in the days of Daniel you let King Nebuchadnezzar know that you are Lord God Almighty. So shall it be for North Korea Leader Kim Jong-Un and his loyalists. Father declare a change is happening right now in the name of Jesus. thank you Lord, thank you Lord, I give you praise. Amen
Faith Ukwuomah sherma • amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

God bind the enemy. Loose the unbreakable kingdom of Christ. Bring liberty to the captives. Throw down tyrant kings. Make Satan fall in this nation in the holy name of Jesus.

Rita Campbell Rebeckah Cook • amen alleluia North Korea AMEN!!!

Rebeckah Cook • amen alleluia North Korea

The Holy Spirit just spoke, "It is so ordered."

Barbara Ferraro • amen alleluia North Korea

My heart is truly breaking to think of all the people in these camps, not just in Korea, but in other countries where they are treated like animals. I will continue praying for them all until our Lord returns, or until I leave this world otherwise. I am reminded daily that in my life, no matter what problems or trials I am having, I am so well off compared to those in other parts of the world, I am truly blessed by God to live where I live.

Barbara Ferraro • amen alleluia North Korea

I am praying for our country to turn back to God and as requested below, I also pray for those of us in the West to do what we can to place these people in our hearts and prayers.

Esther • amen alleluia North Korea

Our hearts and prayers are with you! You are not alone! You are His body.

Kathy Hooks • amen alleluia North Korea

Father God, these are your precious children. Help them to stand strong in the face of persecution, ridicule, starvation, beatings, torture, and death. Be their warmth in winter and their food and drink. Be their friend when they are friendless. May their courage and forgiveness forever be impressed on those who hate them. May the image of faces be burned in their minds until they turn to you. May Your sweet Spirit comfort, guide, help, sustain and convict. You are Lord and You will snatch them unto Your bosom when their final breath is gone. Praise You, Lord, that nothing can separate us from Your love!
Amen.

Sheri Camarda • amen alleluia North Korea

We pray the evil strongholds in N. Korea will be torn down by the powerful Name of Jesus Christ as the prayers of the saints go upward to Your Throne of Grace and mercy Lord God almighty and You, Lord Jesus Christ will come and rule and reign over N. Korea. That the veil of deception the devil has put on them would be lifted and eyes & hearts prepared to receive You as Lord and Savior. And pour out a greater amount of grace on our brothers and sisters in captivity. Standing up and not giving in. Send dreams, visions etc. and encourage them with a glimpse of what You have prepared for them. Reveal how precious they are to You Lord Jesus and help the week and faint of heart who believe in You but are weak. Help them grow stronger in their faith and be their strength. We know You have a plan O' God. May Your plan go forth in N.Korea and pour out the Holy Spirit. For Your Names sake Lord Jesus. In Your Name we pray. Amen and Amen

Suzie • amen alleluia North Korea

When our brothers and sisters suffer, we suffer with them. We cry out to God to strengthen and empower these suffering servants - and we ask, Lord, that they boldly, like a lion, or gently as a lamb,

let their light shine to their oppressors. In Jesus' precious name we pray.

Andi • amen alleluia North Korea

Heavenly Father, I am asking for your protection for the Christians living in North Korea. May they continue to seek your will even under persecution. Supernaturally protect them, Father, as they grow their faith in you. May all your servants that help them gain freedom in surrounding areas be safe as they do your work in this fallen world. It is in your precious name I pray. Amen.

Robert H Allen • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, I pray for my Christian brothers and sisters in North Korea that God would grant them peace and favor with the authorities that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of their oppressors to the message of the gospel...and help me to never take for granted the freedom we possess in America and to never forget our current Christian brethren who indeed are going thorough a time of tribulation.

Phillip Bozarth • amen alleluia North Korea

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, You are sovereign and in control of all things and yet You call upon us to pray for those who are suffering. And when we align our hearts with yours and pray according to Your will, You will answer our prayer. I lift up my brothers & sisters in North Korea to You that you will keep them strong in their faith and strengthen them to be Your witnesses in a very dark place. That You would open the hearts of those who persecute them because it is Your desire for everyone to know You and be saved by receving JESUS as their Lord and Savior. Comfort and heal those who are suffering. Help us to be faithful and standing alongside of them. LORD it is for Your praise, glory and honor. In JESUS name we pray, Amen.

Cassandra Adrienne Mulligan • amen alleluia North Korea

Jesus, may it be done on earth as it is in heaven in North Korea. I pray that the heads of the kings there would be turned towards you and that every knee would bow and every mouth confess that Jesus Christ is Lord in North Korea. Lord. I pray Lord that you would visit those imprisoned and tortured for your name sake and fill them with your Holy Spirit. I pray that those who battle on for Jesus would not have a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind as they do Your work. Keep them safe Lord in every way.

Sheri Matsumoto • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, God Almighty, may Your Name be lifted up in these camps as the only way to peace. May You relieve the suffering of my brothers and sisters in North Korea and give them the grace they need to remain faithful to You. Thank You for their faithfulness, Father and the example they are for me. Bring many unbelievers to Yourself, Lord, as they see the witness of those who hold onto You in the midst of this horror. Break through, Lord Jesus, the barriers of hate and ignorance. In the name of Jesus, I pray....

Darell Torland • amen alleluia North Korea

I have read Soon Ok lee's book "Eyes of the Tailless Animals" many many times. If you read this comment then I challenge you to read this book about My Brother's and Sister's in North Korea. Our Brothers and Sisters, in Christ suffer extreme sufferings for their faith. Prayer affects Heaven so Please read the book and then start praying for our family in North Korea. I pray for them and my prayers affect Heaven and yours will too.
God Bless you for being here right now.

Brother in Christ Darell
lisa davis Darell Torland • amen alleluia North Korea
I just went to amazon and ordered the book. I really don't look forward to reading this but know that I must. The more we know and understand the more we will pray.
Gloria Tan lisa davis • amen alleluia North Korea
'Nothing To Envy' talks about lives in North Korea. A not-to-be-missed title that opens up a whole new world about the prison camps would be New York Times bestseller 'Escape from Camp 14' by Blaine Harden.
Guest Darell Torland • amen alleluia North Korea
"Nothing To Envy" - Barbara Demick is another eye opener.
Kathy Gizowski • amen alleluia North Korea
I pray for God's comfort and love to surround my fellow Christians in these prisons
Amy • amen alleluia North Korea
Lord, I lift up my brothers and sisters in North Korea. I know that there is absolutely nothing impossible with You and that there is no one who is beyond Your reach. I pray for the souls of Kim Jong-un and all those in leadership in North Korea. I pray in Jesus' name that You would open their eyes to the truth of who You are. I pray that they would be given the faith that they need to believe in You and that they would be given every opportunity to turn to You. I pray that You would turn Kim Jong-un's heart towards Christians and that there would be more freedom of religion under his rule. I ask that Christian literature would be allowed to be distributed throughout the country so that more people can have an opportunity to learn who You are and accept You. I pray that You would strengthen and protect every single one of the around 400,000 believers in this country. For those who are in prison, I ask for Your grace to cover them and for You to do supernatural miracles to help them endure and to even find joy in the midst of their suffering. I ask for Your will to be done in their lives - whether that means release for them or whether that means having them remain in prison. I ask that You would embolden believers supernaturally so that they would not be afraid to share the gospel with other North Koreans. I ask that You would present divine opportunities for this to happen and that You would give the believers wisdom in who to talk to, when to talk to them and what to say. I pray for You to break the power of the principality over North Korea so that Your light and Your spiritual truth can find solid ground in that nation. I pray that all of those in North Korea who do not yet know You will have the opportunity to come to know You. I pray that not one North Korean will perish without being given the opportunity to come to know You. I pray for Your protection for all believers specifically against any spies sent to expose them. I pray that You would naturally or supernaturally warn believers if someone has infiltrated them or is coming to expose them. Please keep them protected in Jesus' name. Thank You for the amazing strength and grace that You have given to my brothers and sisters, and for the amazing work that Open Doors is doing to aid North Korean refugees and to deliver emergency aid into the country. Let Your will be done in North Korea!

Matthew Wagoner • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, I am so sorry that I have turned a deaf ear to my brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Christ. My life is one of little stress, many comforts, and the daily blessings of a home, family, job, etc. Please wake me up to the realities that exist around the world. Help me do all I can in the future for my brothers and sisters who suffered silently as I looked on as if their pain, beatings, imprisonment, and martyrdom were not real. God forgive me and change me to forever remember them in action and not just in empty words.

Sarah John • amen alleluia North Korea

Father God in Jesus name may your comfort peace and joy be with our brothers and sisters in North Korea as they face the test of their faith and may Your name be glorified through their lives to bring so many more into your Kingdom. Amen.

Tom Rupp • amen alleluia North Korea

Kind Heavenly Father, I pray for the country and leadership of North Korea. Open the eyes and the hearts of all those people who have yet to come to know you. Allow them to see that the strength and love for You that the Christians there possess and are currently suffering for, is what they are missing, and want in their lives. I pray for Kim Jong-Un and that he may come to know Christ and make changes in the country that would allow for the growth Christianity. I specially want to pray for the Christians in North Korea. Please give them the strength to endure the hardships, torture and persecution that they now are subject to. I pray that our prayers give encouragement and strength to their convictions as their perseverance of their love for You encourages us. I pray that for every life that is lost for their steadfast belief and love for You, someone is saved who will lead others to know of your promise.I pray for Open Doors and for their efforts in getting aid to those suffering. I pray all of this in the name of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Guest • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, I simply pray that you give my brothers and sisters the strength, courage and boldness that they need to withstand this onslaught. Give them your faith and hope and make them brave. May they always feel your presence beside them, may they always keep their eyes and hearts on you. Make other Christians aware of them, that we can all pray for and help in anyway, as many Christians are not aware of their plight. Use us, Lord, to help them, in Jesus name, amen.

Misty Sundbeck Gallahan • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, I come to you today giving thanks for the church that You have raised up in North Korea. Thank you that it continues to grow and that more and more people are coming to know and love you. Lord, I pray that You would give these believers strength and courage. It is hard to imagine the deplorable conditions that these Christians live in and face on a daily basis. Lord, give us all a heart of burden to continue to think of and pray for these believers. I ask, Lord, that political and economic change would come to this country. I ask that Christians would be given more freedom. I ask that there would be a love and respect for human dignity. I also pray that You would thwart the attempts of the spies that would do more harm to You church and its movement in North Korea. I thank You that Open Doors is able to minister there. We thank You for all that You are doing for these believers. In Christ's Name, Amen!!!!!

Emma • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, forgive me for complaining or feeling self pity over my small problems when I have freedom to worship you and all that I need to live comfortably,
I ask You to give an extra measure of Your presence to Your North Korean children who suffer because they follow You.. Give them the blanket of Your love when they are cold. Give them the power of Your strength when they are weak. And give them Your courage that they might not deny You.
And Father, shorten the days of this regime of evil. Let Your people go.

Mairi Catriona MacLeod Emma • 9 amen alleluia North Korea : my JHWH

osama • amen alleluia North Korea God protect refugees and those helping them

Beth • amen alleluia North Korea Lord, give our North Korean brothers and sisters that perfect love that casts out fear. Protect and strengthen them to stand firm for you. Thank you for the opportunity to minister to them in prayer and to be part of the Gospel ministry.

eileen • amen alleluia North Korea

Heavenly Father, I pray for your protection & comfort of these courageous believers! May they never feel isolated or abandoned, but only surrounded by your great love & assurance! Hold them fast, Lord Jesus, and help them to persevere under the persecution and be a testimony to your wonderful glory!

Above all, Lord, I pray for their persecutors, that they may be brought to a saving faith in you. May the brave testimony & witness of these blessed believers draw others in, Lord, and may this country be transformed by the transformation of people's hearts for you! Amen.

Father God we proclaim as your body that you are sovereign and in control. We lay this situation down at the cross.. with North Korea. I pray that all of these horrible things that are happening in North Korea will somehow bring glory to your name. I pray for an increase in perseverence of the NC people.

Osagie Omere • amen alleluia North Korea

I pray that the gospel of Christ Jesus will find entrance and prevail in the heart Kim Jong-Un of in Jesus name.

Phil Coleman • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord, keep yourself real to them. Let their faith abound! Let discouragement be met with powerful faith. Without faith it is immpossible please you. Wtihout it nothing can be accomplished. Let faith produce miricles and miricles produce believers. Blind the evil men who would stand against them, let them fall into their own ditch...Faith in Christ will prevail! "and the darkness could not comprehend it"

Elizabeth • amen alleluia North Korea

Lord our hearts are broken for the pain our brothers and sisters suffer from. I cannot even imagine what it would be like. Praying for a mighty miracle to happen and change the heart of Kin Jong Un to have mercy and empty this prision...
For there is nothing too hard for Him.

Willie Hunt • amen alleluia North Korea

Father We ask that you touch our Christian Family that they will be strong we pray for the enemy and we stand in the gap for the christian servents help us to be thankful for your blessings Jesus you will make all things right when you return to get us so help us hold on till then in Jesus name We pray Amen. We love you our Christian Brothers an Sisters

Heather • amen alleluia North Korea

We prayed today in my Suffering Church class at Bethany College of Missions for North Korea. We have several students gathering regularly to pray for North Korea. You are not forgotten.

Glorya Va'a Evalu • amen alleluia North Korea

Almighty God of Abrahama, Isaac and Jacob. Who am I to complain about the things I dont have when I live in a country of freedom? I pray for your forgiveness, Lord, and uplift my brothers and sisters who face death everyday just because they love you. Father, I pray that they remember to know who you are and what you've done. I pray for endurance, Lord, and I pray you comfort them in the name above all names, Jesus the Messiah.

You are always worhty to be praised, Abba Father. I commit the 400,000 christians into your hands, Lord. The safest hands in the galaxy.
braden12 • amen alleluia North Korea
I pray that the Christians being persecuted in North Korea hold firm in their faith. In your holy word it says, "pray for those who persecute you." Give these Christians the strength to pray for their persecutors, in your precious and Holy name, Amen.
Geraldo Ferreira • amen alleluia North Korea
Lord our Father, I praise your holy Name, I humble myself before and ask that you at this may be renewing the faith, the strength, the courage and the hopes of your children in North Korea, Lord that they may not stumble in the path to eternity, that their aim continues to be Christ and that the hope to be eternally by your side grows each day, that you may continue to give them strength to share the gospel, fill them with your Holy Spirit, that they may be renewed with gifts of the Holy Spirit, Lord reveal yourself in some way to the leaders of North Korea, cause a revival to occur there, I ask that you may be pouring mercy and grace, we adore You Lord and thank You once more, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Ross Ballard • amen alleluia North Korea
Oh God how we love you! We cannot ignore the needs of these people! People are dying; families are being torn apart; kids are robbed of hope; the leaders are blinded by their transgressions and need You to remove the scales. I pray God for the salvation of Kim Jong-Un and his fellow coworkers! I pray they will meet Jesus and will become valuable agents in the sharing of the Gospel. I pray Christianity would no long be banned there but that it would be welcomed with all enthusiasm. Thank You God that others are praying for this nation. I pray millions of Christians would pray for this nation. I pray there prayers would lead to revival. I pray for dreams and visions to fall upon the people of this nation. I pray people would fear You in North Korea. I pray for nation-wide repentance. I pray for hope to be given to the widow and orphan. I pray for sick people to rely on You. I pray that the physical needs of the people would be met by Your strong right arm. Drop the blankets of love and grace on this weary, desert land. Make them thirst as a deer thirst for water. In the name of Jesus. Amen! Hosanna in the Highest!

Mike Langkammer • amen alleluia North Korea

My hope is that with NK so much in the news now, that somehow their atrocities might get noticed so that somehow there could be an intervention of some type. These people are counting on us to pray for them, to publicize their plight, and to get them the help they need.
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Flag of Saudi Arabia Rank: 6. Score: 78/100. 2013 Rank: 02. Leader: King Abdullah
Government: Monarchy. Main Religion: Islam
Population: 29.9 million (1.25 million Christians) Source of persecution: Islamic extremism
2014 - Saudi Arabia (324)

Christian Persecution in Saudi ArabiaThe open practice of any religion other than Islam is forbidden here, and conversion to another faith is punishable by death. Most Christians are ex-pats from Asia or Africa. During 2013, several Christian migrant fellowships were raided by police, and tens of worshippers detained and deported. Muslim-background believers run the risk of honor killing if their faith is discovered. Yet a small but growing number of Muslims are coming to Christ and sharing their faith on the internet and satellite TV.
PRAY:

Widespread unemployment and increasing discontent amongst young people makes this a breeding ground for extremists. Ask God to halt the spread of extremist views.
That more Muslims will meet Jesus through satellite TV or dreams and visions of Jesus .
In 2013, two men were convicted of proselytizing, and were sentenced to a few hundred lashes and several years in prison. Pray for their release. Lee • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

It is also written into the Saudi constitution that no Jew is allowed to reside there.
DavidA_NZ Lee • 5 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
They were ethnically cleansed by Mohammad.
Antoine DavidA_NZ • 5 days ago
Why are they still here then?
DavidA_NZ Antoine • 5 days ago
I'm not sure what you are talking about or if you even understand my statement.

Before and at the time of Mohammad their were several large, thriving Jewish communities in Saudi Arabia. These communities were wiped out by Mohammad's armies and today there are no Jewish communities in Saudi Arabia.
changiman • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Can you explain with your Islamophobic attitude to how it is possible to have all these Christians still living side by side with Muslims in those countries?
Mike Marsh changiman • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

You must live there! Tell us all about it! Are there mixed block parties? Sorry for the sarcasm, but it does sometimes seem to have a place.
Guest changiman • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
What a difference a year makes. ME Christianity has all but vanished. Hint: it sure as heck wasn't Christian on Christian violence.
Elizabeth • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Praise God for the testimony of the one who was thrown in prison and lead his cell-mate to Jesus!
Lord bring powerful grace on them both.
We pray that the gospel will come to life.. through the viewing over the air-ways...
Protect the believers, heal, and deliver them from oppression.
Thank You Lord.
amen & amen
Demola Orekoya • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

This is great with the inclusion of prayer points but sometimes I can navigate to the website on my phone in a group meeting - where we usually do the challenge - can we have the full text on email as well?
eileen • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Heavenly Father, Thank you that you always find a way to reach those whose hearts are open to you! May you continue to open hearts to the Gospel and bless and protect those risk their own safety to share the truth of Jesus. Amen.

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, we lift up our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia to you in prayer. We know that you are sovereign and can do all things. Keep them strong in You so they can persevere, and be Your witness where darkness covers the land. Open the hearts of those who persecute Your church and those who do not know You for it is Your desire for all men to be saved and come to faith in JESUS.

Father God , Please save them before it is too late. LORD Jesus , please open their hearts and raise up many who will preach The Gospel . ( I COr. 1:21; Romans 1:16)KJB.
Barbara Ferraro • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Saudi Arabia is one of the countries I have been praying for since last year. Lord, I ask that you continue to show your presence to those who do not know you and to also place someone with them who can tell them about you. Please protect the Christians who are so willing to share their faith, even when they know they may wind up in prison. Lord, please give them strength and courage to witness to others against all difficulties.

Robert H Allen • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

May the Holy Spirit continue moving the hearts and minds of those that would be saved and that the message of God's grace will penatrate the anti-Christian culture of Saudi Arabia.
Phil Coleman • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Lord, I come to You today and lift up the country of Saudia Arabia. I first want to thank You for raising up a church for Yourself in this country. I ask that You would give strength, courage, and comfort to the believers there. It is apparent that much persecution comes from following You. I thank You that despite that, people are still choosing to follow You. I pray that You would provide protection so that believers may share their faith and touch lives with their stories. I also ask that You stay by the side and give comfort and peace for those believers who are lonely and isolated and harassed and rejected by even family members because of their faith in You. I thank You for allowing technology to be used to reach more people for You. I ask that You would continue to provide opportunities for people to hear the Gospel through TV and radio. I also thank You that You continue to reveal Yourself in dreams and visions. What a more awesome way than to have You directly contact people in this way. You are an awesome and loving God. I thank You for the work You have done, are doing, and will do for Saudi Arabia. I thank You that You hear and answer our prayers. In the Beloved Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!!!!!!!
Hester • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
Yes Elizabeth, I had goose bumps when I read his testimony! God needed him in jail for that other man, seeking for God! God NEVER makes any mistakes, He always has a perfect plan!!

Caleb Miller • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Oh Lord, keep those people strong over there who believe in you. I pray that they would spread their faith further and help spread your salvation. Let them not waver in their faith but keep true to it. In Your Name, Amen

Elizabeth • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
Father...how great You are!
We cry out to You today for protection and healing..Move in power & bring many into the kingdom for such a time as this Lord. Send signs and wonders, dreams and visions.
Draw many to yourself Lord and fill them to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit.
Amen and amen
Marco Antonio Huaman Ramos • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Father, in Jesus name, because of the blood that Jesus bled for us, we ask you to protect your children in Saudi Arabia. We ask you to continue giving them the boldness to share their faith in Jesus despite the risk and persecution. We ask you to
give comfort and strength to those who face the rejection of their families and relatives. Make them understand that you
are with them all the time. Please continue drawing people to yourself through satellite TV, radio and supernatural dreams. Also reveal yourself to people as you reveal yourself to Paul on the way to Damascus. We ask you to reveal your amazing grace and love to all the people in Saudi Arabia. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Amy • 2 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

First, I pray specifically for the men spoken about in these articles. I pray for their protection and for divine wisdom and discernment to be given to them so that they will know when to speak and when to be silent. I pray that You would use them in a mighty, supernatural way in order to bring the gospel to other Saudis. I pray for ALL of the believers in Saudi Arabia - that they too would be protected, strengthened, emboldened and given divine wisdom and discernment. I ask that You would be their comforter, their provider, their closest friend and everything that they need. Glorify Your name in Saudi Arabia using these brave believers. I also pray especially for those who are isolated from others and rejected by their families. You set the lonely in families, God, so I pray that somehow You would bring other believers into their lives so that they can have community and relationship. I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to be so alone in such a dangerous place... please have mercy. And finally I pray that You would CONTINUE to draw Saudis to Yourself by any means necessary... through other believers in Saudi Arabia... through TV/radio programming... through supernatural dreams and visions. You are stronger than any other spirit that is ruling over that land and You are able to break through any strongholds! I pray that You would do it in Jesus' name and bring many Saudis to Yourself. You are able!
Julie Cuevas • amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Dear Lord, I come to your presence to ask you for my brothers and sisters in faith from Saudi Arabia. Please God comfort and encourage them in their difficult moments, give them strength, let them feel your love for them. Bless the brother that goes by the name of Mike. Guide him so he could share your word with others so they could come to know you, believe that you die for their sin and rose from death on the third day, and that all who repents of their sins and accepts You, Jesus, as their savior and son of God will have ever lasting life. Please protect all of your followers. You are a merciful God!!, In Jesus name I pray. Amen
elvis paleman • amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Christ said I will never leave you or forsake you....
Jan Gibson • amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
I pray for the moving of the Holy Spirit to sweep over Saudi Arabia changing hearts to the love of God, cretor of all mankind.

Kevin Duclairon • amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
Lord, I pray for the people of Saudi Arabia, whom I believe are the descendants of Abraham of the same blood line of the Israelites through Ishmael. I pray that they would come to know the God of their forefather Abraham in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Ernest Zenone • 10 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Lord- in Jesus Name I pray that thy Word may have free course and be glorified throughout Saudi Arabia. May you grant a government that would establish freedom of worship for Christians. May you provide your people with Bibles and Christian literature and protect this literature from being found. I pray for the salvation of the leaders of this country. May many Muslims come to Christ. May they see the love of Christ in your people there, even without a word. King Jesus, turn the hearts of the rulers of Saudi Arabia to obey you and your Law, the Bible! In Jesus' Name I ask this. Amen.
Jay Upadhya • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

lord god have mercy on Saudi Arabia bring more new converts and send more missionaries there in jesus name amen
GibbyD • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Father God , please convict them of their sin and make them aware of the everlasting burning hell they will be tormented forever in unless they repent toward God and place their faith and trust toward The LORD Jesus Christ. ( Acts 20:21)KJB. LORD , please awaken that land to The Gospel `and may those devils and people who remain resistance , be thwarted and pushed back out of the way so that others may know and believe and be saved by The TRUTH . IN the Name of The LORD Jesus Christ , amen.
Amy • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Lord, I come to You today on behalf of the nation of Saudi Arabia. I join my prayers together with those around the world who are praying for this nation this week - that You would move mightily amongst the people who live there.
I pray firstly for the youth and young people of Saudi Arabia. I pray that the unemployment and poverty and discontentment there would lead them to seek YOU and not seek an outlet in rebellion or extremism. I ask that You would come to them through whatever means necessary and offer them the Solution to their discontentment. Those who are turning rebellious against the government and who are willing to die for Islm could be among the most powerful Christ-followers in the world... and I know that You are jealous for their souls. I ask for their salvation - for You to grant them the gift of saving faith that is needed for them to come to You, that You would soften their hearts and give them an openness to the gospel, that You would bring believers or media or dreams or some way for them to experience You and hear about who You are. I ask that You would give them no rest in their hearts until they have found You and said yes to Your gift of salvation. Show them things about Islm that would lead to their discontentment and would help them to realize that there is no provision for forgiveness and no assurance of salvation.
I also pray specifically for the evangelistic pathways that are in use right now in Saudi Arabia- the internet and satellite TV. I pray that You would protect those pathways from those who would want to shut them down, and that You would continue to use them and those who are being used as vessels to publicize through them. I pray that You would give them a larger audience and that even more people than ever before would be able to hear Your good news through these means, and that nothing that the opposition tries to do would be able to destroy them. I also pray that those who are posting/producing/speaking on these pathways would continue to have the physical and spiritual resources to continue to do so. I ask that You would continue to open up new pathways and new opportunities for people to be able to spread Your gospel "virally."
I also pray specifically for two two men who were arrested in 2013 and I ask You for their release in Your perfect timing. I also pray for all believers who are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. I know that You may be using them in prison for a season, but I pray their release and their return to their families as soon as possible. I ask for You to continue to keep them and protect them and provide for them... no matter how they are being treated and what they are being deprived of, you are able to be everything that they lack. Help them, Lord, in Jesus' name.
I finally pray for the MBBs in Saudi Arabia. I pray in Jesus' name that You would protect them from honor killings and from those who would seek to bring them harm. I pray that You would use them mightily to share Your gospel with other Mslms in Saudi Arabia, and that You would give them supernatural wisdom in terms of who to speak to and whose heart You have prepared to receive the good news. I ask that You would provide for them and their families financially if they cannot work. I ask that You would provide ways for them to flee the country if that becomes necessary. I just ask for Your special covering and protection and comfort over each of them today. In Jesus' name I ask all of these things, amen.
Andrew Wheeler • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Father, please break the stranglehold of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Move in the leaders of this country to reverse the trends of persecution and violence against your people. Cause the discontent among the youth to drive them toward you, not toward extremism.
Reveal yourself through dreams, visions, and media to Saudi Arabs. Reach the hearts of Saudis living in lands where the Gospel is available; reveal to them your love and grace.

Rescue your children in prison. Give them peace and a sense of your presence. As you used Paul and Silas, please use them to change the hearts of their captors.
Change the trajectory of this country, Lord, and gain honor and glory through the transformation you bring.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Abigail Eustace • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

They cannot destroy the churches in Saudi Arabia, because these churches are not built with human hands. They are not built on a foundation that can be shaken. They are built on the chief Cornerstone that is Jesus Christ. The Lord YHWH, the mighty God of angel armies, is building HIS Church in Saudi Arabia, and the gates of hades will not stand against her. The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still. God, glorify Your Name in Saudi Arabia. Confirm clearly Your great love for the Saudi people. Grow Your church in spite of resistance. Comfort them in Your love. Surround them with fellowship. Surprise them with Your mighty, oustretched hand that works deliverance from the enemy. Remind them that You will bring justice in the end. Enamor them with Your Son! In Jesus' precious Name, Amen!
Jodi Hawkins • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Heavenly Father, I lift up the people of Saudi Arabia. I think of Paul and his persecution of Christianity in his day, his turn from that to his passion and love for the Gospel of Christ to be preached and lived out! I pray that many people will be passionately and irrevocably changed by your Holy Spirit through continued dreams and visions. I pray that more laborers from the US and all over the world would be drawn to these frontier missions. I pray for those imprisoned right now in Saudi Arabia for their faith and witness of Christ. Please Father, comfort them. Give them boldness to witness even to their captors and to show the true love of Christ, even while in chains. I have faith, you keep your word. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Edith Kurie • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH
Heavenly Father, these are children who are lost. I pray they will find You and rejoice in Your truth, freedom and love, in Jesus' name, amen.
nataly • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

God I pray you bless Saudi Arabia, and that your will be done in this country. I especially lift up in prayer my brothers and sisters there that suffer persecution. I pray you give them strength to continue to preach your gospel and that you may use them to reach the lost. Give them strength to overcome. That your word may reach the lost there and that they may turn their hearts to you. In Jesus name! amen.
Blake • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Father, we come to you by the atoning blood of Christ and we thank for His work on our behalf and on the behalf of our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia. Strengthen them for the tough times of societal dishonor, threats, and physical persecution, and give them words to say when persecutors question them about their faith, just as you promised you would in Luke 21. Thank You for the work that You are doing in each believer there and please continue to send workers to preach the Gospel and stand strong for Christ no matter the cost, that You may be shown to be the best and only source of joy in the universe. We praise You for the visions that people have seen that have brought people to faith in Christ, and we pray that all of the believers would be unified through their faith and their love for each other. Let others see that You matter more to the Saudi believers than anything else in their lives. We ask You for grace and strength to be given to our brothers in Saudi Arabia so that they may walk in the works that You have prepared for them. We praise You for the work that You will do for Your children and Your kingdom!
babs • 8 amen alleluia Saudi Arabia: my JHWH

Colombia is listed in the 25th position on the 2014 World Watch List. Despite ongoing dialogue between the government and FARC rebels, levels of violence in Colombia are at an all-time high. In areas where the government has lost control of public security, drug cartels and illegal armed groups operate with complete impunity. Christians who play prominent roles in social or public life face opposition because of their witness in social and political activities. Within indigenous communities, converts to Christianity are seen as a threat to the indigenous culture and traditions. Christian converts are often displaced from their lands, churches are monitored and gender-based violence targeting Christians is on the increase.

Father, as Christians in Colombia, caught in the crossfire between the government and rebel guerrilla militia, cry out to You, we pray with confidence that even now, You are daily bending Your ear to hear and responding to their cries. We pray for Your protection over the governor of this community, and pray for abundant wisdom to be poured out onto him, and to other Christians leaders, as they sort through the current conflict. Strengthen them in their earthly weakness to stand boldly and humbly in godly truth and integrity. We pray especially for the young indigenous people as they experience tremendous pressure to join the guerrillas, who exert so much power in the region. Grant them strength to persevere in the knowledge of the gospel. In the name of Jesus, our strength in times of trouble, Amen.
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Tunisians Go to the Polls Weekend, Oct 20 2014 Tunisia.
Tunisia's second round of parliamentary election since the 2011 Jasmine Revolution, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26. Over 50 parties are expected to run in these elections, and predictions concerning the outcomes differ greatly. The parliamentary elections will be followed on Nov. 23, by presidential elections.
Some Tunisian believers doubt that the political process will bring any real change, and believe that all parties will only offer the same policies once they are elected. Many fear that this belief will create an atmosphere of indifference and few citizens will actually decide to vote.
Other Tunisian Christians fear that the Islamic party (Ennahda) will win the elections, as they did in 2011, because much of the population is uninformed about the differences between the various parties running for office. Many simply vote for the biggest Islamic party by default, believing that the larger parties best represent their point of view.
In Tunisia, listed as #30 on the 2014 World Watch List, Christians face persecution both from the moderately Islamic government and from aggressive Salafist groups, who operate with impunity in the country. The initial promise of the 2011 revolution, which sparked the Arab Spring, turned out to be a disappointment for both liberals and Christians in Tunisia. The situation in the country is rapidly deteriorating. While expat Christians experience a relatively large amount of freedom, Muslim-background believers face increasing pressure from family and the authorities. A number of violent incidents against Christians were reported this year, breaking the trend of relative religious tolerance.
Christians in Tunisia are asking for our prayers, specifically that the elections will be peaceful and that the new government will be more willing to protect the interests of Christians.
Father, we pray for Christians as they head to the polls this week. Grant them much wisdom in the midst of many confusing choices. Encourage them with Your presence in the midst of discouragement with the political process. We pray that this election and the one to follow next month will be peaceful and that the new leaders will rule with godly justice. We pray against hopelessness among believers, turning the object of their hope from the government to the presence of Christ in them! Protect and encourage them in the midst of the increasing persecution they suffer. In the name of Jesus, our only true hope in this life and the next, Amen.
====================
ARAB Churches' Key Contribution to Iraqi Relief. Oct 13 2014. Iraq
As a coalition of Western and Arab countries continues its military action against Islamic State (IS), it is uplifting to hear how Egyptian Christians are helping to provide humanitarian relief in northern Iraq. Only a year ago, Egyptian Christians faced an onslaught from Islamic extremists; now, they are providing Iraqi believers with much-needed practical and psychological support in ways that Westerners cannot.
One of the largest churches in the Arab world, Kasr el-Dobara church in Cairo, is delivering aid to Iraqi believers alongside agencies such as the UNHCR, Caritas and many others, thanks to its relatively well-paid and well-connected membership. This church, under the leadership of Rev. Fawzi Khalil, director of relief ministries, has sent a delegation to Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq every 10 days for the past two months, trying to turn the humanitarian tide. The congregation's middle-to-upper class membership has so far donated $180,000 to the relief efforts. A fundraising trip to the United States added an additional $120,000.
They have distributed 2,500 mattresses, along with pillows and blankets, and also 400 portable gas stoves capable of serving four families.. Most impressively, the church supports a network of 2,200 families that receive a food basket every two weeks. This network is run in coordination with churches in Ankawa, a largely Christian neighborhood in Erbil, where 90 percent of recipients are Muslims also fleeing IS militants, or members of the Yazidi minority.
Khalil reports that the majority Chaldean Catholic Church of Ankawa has done an excellent job of caring for Christian refugees. Erbil's population includes roughly 160,000 Christians, and many have opened their homes to their Christian brethren.
As a result of the exodus from southern Iraq, Erbil's churches are overflowing. The refugee center on the Mar Elia church grounds currently houses 700 families. Nearby Mar Yousef camp, also in a church, hosts mostly Muslims and Yazidis.
Erbil has a permanent population of 1.5 million people. According to UN-Iraq, the three established UN camps only have the capacity to host eight percent of the refugees. Local families and churches have taken in many more, but thousands are still sleeping on the streets, under bridges, or in partially completed buildings, said Khalil.
A 60-year-old blind man from Nineveh told Khalil how he would not return to his home. "I don't want to go back to the same neighbors who betrayed me," he said. "They surrendered me to the terrorists."
Soha, 22, had recently graduated from university and was looking forward to her new job in Mosul before the IS onslaught. Now, she finds herself caring for her brother's three children who have been separated from their mother. "Now, all I have is a mattress, a donated plate of food, and two sets of clothes," she told Eva Boutros. "This is the end of my youth."
Boutros is the director of volunteer ministry for Kasr el-Dobara, but she accompanied a joint churches team organized by the Chaldean Church in Heliopolis, Cairo. This particular team brought cash as well as tents, medical supplies, blankets, and children's underwear that were donated by Egyptian companies.
Boutros, recognizing that many of the refugees needed something more than the supplies the group brought in, took 280 young women, including Soha, shopping at the local mall. "It was fun for us, and fun for them," she said, describing a rare moment of happiness amid a desperate situation.
Perhaps her mothering heart gives her a greater memory for personal detail, but she praises a different source. "I remember each person, their face and their story," she said. "The Lord sent us to tell them 'we are suffering with you'. They need you to hug them, stay with them, and listen, listen, listen."
In addition to Boutros, Kasr el-Dobara's team included a professional psychiatrist who spent hours counseling women and children through their trauma. A team of childcare specialists did their best to entertain the children each evening. According to Boutros, the fact that Egyptian Christians have been present has made an impression on many. "Muslims and Yazidis appreciate very much that they are cared for," she said. "They know it is the church that is doing this in Iraq."
But no one is able to do enough according to Kharrat, a former MP in the Egyptian Parliament. If families are still living on the streets when December arrives, the already tragic situation will turn catastrophic. "Hundreds of thousands are unprepared for winter," Kharrat adds, referencing anticipating average lows of three degrees Celsius (37 degrees F). "Conditions are horrible. They survived the summer—the heat did not kill them—but the freezing snow might."
Source: World Watch Monitor
Father of mercy and hope, we grieve daily over the reign of terror IS forces are exacting on Christians, Yazidis and fellow Muslims. We praise You for the work of Egyptian Christians in helping these struggling refugees. And, we praise You for the testimony of their invaluable work as the UN and the government look on. Continue to provide resources and people to help. We especially pray for those living on the streets as winter draws near. Be strength, encouragement and hope both to the refugees and to those bringing aid. We pray for the defeat of IS forces in this whole region, and that You would stem the flow of terror from this region into the rest of the world. In the name of Jesus, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there, Amen.
========================

Christian Man Forced to Separate from Hindu Wife. Oct 13 2014. India. An Indian couple, who has been married for only five days, had their marriage forcibly annulled by police after backlash from Hindu nationalists. The couple, Joseph Pawar and Ayushi Wani, was arrested in Gujarat after complaints that Pawar, a Christian, had lured his Hindu bride into marriage.
This latest incident adds to the pressure on Narendra Modi, the new prime minister of India, who is accused in a new report of remaining silent about the recent increase in violence towards Christians and other religious minorities.
More than 500 people took part in a four-hour protest in New Delhi on Sept. 27th during which the report "100 days under the new regime – the state of minorities" was released by a group of Indian religious leaders, accusing Modi of remaining silent in the face of 600 separate incidents targeting religious minorities since his landslide election victory in May. The 92-page report was endorsed by 33 groups, representing different religious minorities and secular groups.
"The environment has degenerated into one of coercion, divisiveness, and suspicion. This has percolated to the small towns and villages of rural India, severing bonds forged in a dialogue of life over the centuries," the statement read. "The attacks have assumed alarming proportions."
Bishop John Simon of Believers Church noted that, "Christians have done much admirable work in almost every social sphere, including health and education. Our contribution needs no elaboration. We have to get united in order to fight for our rights."
More than 600 incidents targeting religious minorities were cited in the report. These incidents, which occurred between May and September, took place mainly in areas that have held, or soon will hold, legislative elections.
"The Christian community, its pastors, congregations and churches, were targets of mob violence and impunity in dozens of cases in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (states)," said the report, which was compiled by several committees comprised of lawyers, activists and others. The press statement summarizing the report claimed that anti-minority forces have set dates, including Christmas 2014, to "cleanse" various areas of Muslims and Christians, with the assistance of police. It also reported that there have been, "attempts at religious profiling of Christian academic institutions, and their students" in New Delhi.
On the eve of the New Delhi protest, a church was torched at Pakritola Ghutas village in Mandla district of central Madhya Pradesh state. The police dismissed it as the act of "inebriated" hooligans who broke into the church and set fire to religious books, furniture, musical instruments and the altar.
Source: World Watch Monitor
Father, we pray for Joseph and Ayushi; their marriage union severed as a result of political upheaval. We ask that You would reunite them in marriage, and cause them to be a great blessing of faith to generations to come. As the nation of India sorts through the results of this year's election, we pray Your intervention on behalf of Christians, who along with Muslims and other minorities, are experiencing injustice, beatings and attacks. Protect them, Father, and restore true justice in this land. While our archenemy Satan would use this new regime to destroy Your Church, we thank You for the sure hope that You will instead take what is meant for harm and use it for good, building and strengthening Your Church! We pray that You will grant church leaders both wisdom and courage as they sort through the political unrest, and seek ways to respond in godly ways. In the name of Jesus, our rock of strength in the tumult of the world, Amen
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Turkey Closes Down Protestant Church. Oct 06 2014. Turkey. Turkish authorities have sealed a Protestant church in southeast Turkey, and ordered its American pastor fined and deported on charges of "working illegally".
Lawyers filed a court appeal Sept. 26 to postpone the deportation, protesting what Turkey's Association of Protestant Churches called an "absolutely arbitrary" ruling against the Gaziantep congregation and its foreign pastor.
Local police officials sealed the premises of the New Life Church on Aug. 28. Just over two weeks later, on Sept. 14, they detained its pastor, Patrick Jensen, with orders from Turkey's Interior Ministry to deport him immediately.
A U.S. citizen living in Gaziantep since 2005, Jensen was ordered to pay 3,043 Turkish Lira (US $1,350) for violating Law No. 5326 of the Turkish labor laws, which require a work permit for legal employment status. He declined to pay the fine, contending he was a volunteer serving in the church, which he said an inspection board under the Labor Ministry had mistakenly classified as a place of business.
Jensen was held for 30 hours and then allowed to return home while his case was pending. But his Turkish residence permit, valid through November 2015, was cancelled, with a temporary 30-day permit issued until the court rules on his appeal, which will be conducted by legal briefs, not oral argument.
Jensen started the small Protestant congregation nine years ago when he and his family moved to Gaziantep. "Between 30 and 40 adults attend the Turkish worship services each Sunday," he said.
"The authorities' attitude toward us has changed in the last six months," he told World Watch Monitor. "It seemed we were being viewed negatively, as if we were enemies. Some pressure is being put on us, although our open presence and activities here had not been an issue before."
Without any other options for a place of worship, the church group has met informally in a park for several Sundays, and then in private homes.
The fledgling congregation has not yet applied for official status as an association, which is the only legal option open to register new Christian congregations.
"Foreign clergy are experiencing problems with work permits," General Secretary Umut Sahin of the Association of Protestant Churches told Agos newspaper after the Gaziantep church was sealed. "It is not clear according to which criteria they say yes or no. Currently, only four Protestant church leaders have been able to obtain this visa status."
Despite an estimated 5,000 Protestant Christians meeting in 120 small congregations in Turkey, the state prohibits institutions for the theological training of their clergy. The same ban prevents the traditional Orthodox, Armenian and Syriac communities from opening seminaries for their local priests and church workers.
"So new faith groups, particularly those who are small and relatively new, need foreign clergy," Mine Yildirim, head of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee's Freedom of Belief Initiative Project in Turkey, told Agos. "However, there is no open, simple and clear way to bring these people here officially. As a result…with whatever excuse, officials can easily punish people, marginalizing them by calling them illegal workers."
Source: World Watch Monitor
Father, we lift up Pastor Jensen in Turkey and ask that You would guide his decisions and actions through this ordeal, and for a favorable outcome, one where he will be able to resume his ministry to the people of Turkey. Father God, there is such a dire need of knowledgeable church leaders, so today in addition to praying for Pastor Jensen, we also pray for more training for existing leaders and for more people willing to come to Turkey and help raise up Your church there. We lift up the handful of believers in Turkey who live under fear of the government pressure. Protect them, Father, and at the same time, cause Your church to grow in the midst of persecution. In the name of Jesus, our Protector and place of comfort, Amen.
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When Even Children Face Unspeakable Persecution. Oct 06 2014. Paksitan. The Bible tells us that persecution will come to all who follow Christ, but it is especially difficult to believe when even children are persecuted.
Mikal* is a seven-year-old boy who attended a public school in Pakistan. Though it is a public school, 80% of students' time was spent on Islamic studies and only 20% of the school day was spent on other subjects such as math, history and science. Even these subjects were taught using textbooks that promoted Islam. Some of the textbooks went so far as to attack Christians and other religious minorities, stating that "they could not be trusted."
Beyond being forced to spend most of his school day studying the Quran, Mikal encountered constant bullying from his classmates because of his Christian faith. He was ostracized by other students; he was never invited to parties and did not have a single friend.
Almost every day at recess, his classmates would circle around him calling him an "infidel" or "kafir" (which means unclean). They would tell him that all Christians are pigs and monkeys. Due to the constant bullying, Mikal began to believe that there was something wrong with him and his religion and became increasingly depressed.
The bullying extended outside of the schoolyard when the parents of his classmates began harassing Mikal's family. Soon the Taliban, which is very prominent in his city, heard about this Christian family. They began to threaten Mikal's family and left threatening messages saying, "If you do not convert, we will kidnap your two sons." The family was afraid to leave their home. They only ventured outside when it was completely necessary, and Mikal's father made them lie down flat in their car so no one could see them.
The Taliban continued to harass Mikal's family and intensified their threats. One day, Mikal's father received a message while he was at his office that the Taliban was going to kill his family and attack other Christians the next day.
As Mikal's father was driving home, he struggled with what he should do. "I wanted to buy a gun to defend my family, but I was conflicted because Jesus tells us to 'turn the other cheek' and I didn't know what to do." He prayed fervently for God's wisdom and protection.
The Lord heard his cry, and the Taliban was unable to carry out the attack the next day. However, Mikal's father knew he had to move his family from the area as their lives were at risk. That night, they took a few of their belongings and fled.
Please pray for Mikal and his family. Though he is only seven, he has seen more persecution than many of us will experience in a lifetime. Pray for God's wisdom and protection as this family decides what do to next.
*Name changed for security reasons
Father, our hearts break for Mikal and his whole family. As Christians, even in our own country, we struggle with what it means to forgive and to turn the other cheek. Please grant Mikal and his family much wisdom as they move to a new village. Show them what it means to live as followers of Jesus in a hostile land. You know their suffering; You hear the cry of their hearts. Show them when to speak up and when to remain silent. Give them courage to stand in faith and to reach out in compassion to those around them living in spiritual darkness. Protect them and give them opportunities to share with their lives and with words the presence of Christ in them and His words of truth. In the name of Jesus, who has sent the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to teach us and guide us through this life, Amen.
==================https://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2014/october/algerian-christians-show-suppoert-for-iraqi-brothers-and-sisters
Algerian Christians Show Support for Iraqi Brothers and Sisters. Oct 06 2014. Algeria. A group of Christians and secular Algerians held a peaceful rally Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Algerian city of Aokas, in a show of support for the Iraqi Christians and Yezidi minorities, "that are undergoing a savage persecution by the Islamic State." The young secular activists who initiated the rally defends the values of freedom and secularism in north Algeria.
The citizens of Aokas, located in the north of Algeria, were surprised by the show of support for Iraqis because in the past, they have only held demonstrations to support Palestinians.
A large banner proclaiming, "Kabylia [the northern region of Algeria] in solidarity with Iraqi Christians and Yezidi" was hung between two trees by the police station. "Through this gathering, we want to express our solidarity and support to Iraqi Christians and the Yezidi community who suffer because of the terrorists of the Islamic State," said Abdelkader, a Christian from Aokas who attended the gathering. "Iraqi Christians are victims of genocide. We cannot remain silent about this horrible massacre."
He adds, "We were not harassed by the authorities. Members of the police came to the scene, they wrote a report and left." Notably, the event was ignored by the national press.
The protest took place the same weekend that French tourist Hervé Gourdel was abducted in north Algeria by an Algerian jihadist group linked to the Islamic State. On Wednesday, Sept 24, this group sent a message suggesting that they had beheaded the man. The French president confirmed the killing.
Thank You, Father, for the courage of this group of Algerian Christians and secularists to stand in support of Christians and Yezidi who are suffering at the hands of the Islamic State. Stir us up daily so that we may pour out our hearts before You on behalf of Christians and other minorities suffering as a consequence of IS attacks. Protect them, Father, and provide shelter and food as they flee from their homes. Grant them endurance as they suffer dark days. Protect their hearts and minds from despair, strengthening them to stand in the hope of Christ. In the name of Jesus, our only hope in this life and the life to come, Amen.
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From Muslim to Church Leader
Sep 29 2014

China

Many people do not realize that there are over twenty million Muslims in China. Fatima*, for example, was born and raised in a Hui family. The Hui people are a predominately Muslim ethnic group in China with a population of over ten million. When Fatima came to faith, she knew that she could potentially lose her family, but she was ready to pay the price.

Fatima's journey to faith started when she worked as a manager for a company. Eager to be promoted, she hired a woman named Jane* to be her English tutor. They quickly became good friends. Jane consistently invited Fatima to come to her church; each time, Fatima politely refused and reminded Jane that she was a Hui (and by default a Muslim). One day, she finally agreed to go to a Christmas event because she was told Jane would be sharing that day. Fatima sat next to Jane's mother. At the end of the service, Jane presented an altar call. Fatima was surprised when no one answered; she wondered why not, since Jane did such a good job sharing the gospel. "Would you like to go to the front stage?" Jane's mother suddenly asked Fatima. Then she took Fatima's hand and walked with her to the altar. Many followed them. "I really didn't believe in Jesus," Fatima laughs. "I just wanted to be supportive."

Still, as Jane continued to share Jesus and read the Bible with Fatima, she gradually experienced a spiritual awakening. One day, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and suddenly felt a deep, inexplicable joy. That night, she had a vision of seven men who were chosen to serve the Lord, just as it is described in Acts 6. She immediately asked God what the vision meant. Then she heard a voice calling her to be a servant of God. "I didn't know what to do and couldn't fall asleep, so I waited until 6am the next morning to call Jane." She shared this unusual experience with Jane to confirm the calling. "I understood that by following that calling, I would pay a very high price," says Fatima. "But I had peace in my heart and knew it was the right thing to do."

Fatima made the decision to quit her job in order to join seminary. Her monthly allowance decreased significantly, but it was just money. The next sacrifice her new faith would demand was much weightier.

The time came when she had to tell her parents that she had been secretly studying the Bible and going to church for months. On her way home, she imagined out all possible reactions from her parents. "I was so scared. I knew it would break their hearts. Losing them was a very real possibility."

Fatima knew that her father loved her very much and did not believe he would actually kill her. "However, after I told him, I had never seen him so angry. He shouted at me, saying he never had a daughter. My mom even slapped me. She had never hit me before. She shouted at me to get out of the house, telling me to never come back home. They closed the doors behind me. I burst into tears and begged them to take me back. No matter how hard I knocked on the door, it remained shut." Her only choice was to go to Jane's house where she knew she would be welcomed.

Fatima tried to contact her father via phone several times, but he hung up every time he recognized her voice. One day, she heard that her father was sick, so she immediately rushed to the hospital. When her dad saw Fatima standing in front of him, he turned his head to the other side of the bed. She couldn't hold back tears and called him "dad," the way she had said his name for years. Her mother pushed her out of the hospital room and said her father's sickness was a punishment from Allah for their disobedient daughter. Fatima came back to the hospital the next day and he still refused to see her; she kept coming back over and over again to show her kindness and love.

One day, he finally turned his head and looked at her for a long time in silence. The next day, he began to talk to her. Her mom said, "I don't know what you believe, but I now know it must be good." Fatima's father finally believed in Jesus, and on his deathbed, he prayed a prayer for eternal peace. He was well known among the local Muslim community and many imams came to the funeral. Fatima asked one of the imams if her father would go to heaven. He couldn't answer her question. "I know where he is right now; he is with the Lord Jesus," Fatima said with tears in her eyes.

Soon after her father passed away, Fatima's mother also became a follower of Jesus. Initially, she did not go to church or let others know about her faith. But now she has become best friends with Jane's mother, and they go to church together every Sunday.

"I am so grateful that the Lord called me to be his servant," Fatima shares with a sparkle in her eye. Today, Fatima continues to eagerly spread the gospel, and has become a leader in a church with about 200 members.

*Names changed for security reasons

Father, thank You for the faith that You have given Fatima, and for the work You are accomplishing through her. Even as we weep over the story of her trials as she came to faith, we rejoice in the way the light of Christ was reflected through her to her parents. We celebrate with her in the true joy she now has in You, and also in the faith You have given her parents, as well. Thank You for Jane's unyielding desire to share the gospel with Fatima. Lord, be with these precious sisters as they continue to serve You among the Hui people. And, we pray for an outpouring of Your Spirit among the Muslim people of China; that there might be a mighty turning to Christ. In the name of Jesus, whose light we reflect in a world of sin and darkness, Amen.
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An Old Story Under India's New Government
Sep 15 2014

India

More than 600 attacks on minority Muslims and Christians during the first 100 days of the new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have prompted Christians and activists to launch a series of protests.

At a September 2 meeting in New Delhi, attended by over 50 Christian leaders, lawyers and social activists, several committees met to draw national attention to the "conspiracy" behind the sporadic violence. The core committee announced plans to bring out a "Minority Report on 100 days of Modi Governance," detailing atrocities since the inauguration of the new government. The government under the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, known for espousing Hindu nationalism, assumed power on May 26, after its landslide victory in the election to choose India's 16th Parliament.

In addition to the report, the coalition of Christian groups and secular social networks have announced a convention on minority rights on October 2 – the national holiday marking the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. The convention will be followed two days later by a public protest in New Delhi.

The report was partially in response to the August 27 "purified" ritual at a Seventh Day Adventist church in Asroi village, 160 kilometers southeast of New Delhi. The church was 'purified' with a ritual and declared a temple by Hindu fundamentalists, after "re-converting" an extended family of Christian converts back to Hinduism. Hindu fundamentalist groups sent out photos and a press release to claim that 72 low-caste Christian converts had returned to Hinduism.

"This is mere propaganda and a ploy to intimidate Christian congregations as a whole. Saffron (Hindu fundamentalist) groups are behind it," Sundar Singh, a Dalit Christian activist who visited the village.

Another incident alarmed the Christian activists near the national capital of New Delhi, where a dozen pastors were illegally detained by the police at a local village church. They were arrested on charges of "converting Hindus to Christians." Pramod Singh, a senior Christian lawyer who rushed to help following the arrest of the pastors, said that Hindu fundamentalists, led by a local BJP leader, organized a protest at a village church alleging "conversion".

This protest is what prompted the police to arrest the pastors. "With a crowd of protesters making a spectacle, police took into custody pastors from the regular prayer meeting. When seven others reached the police station, they were also detained. The police even beat some of the pastors to please the Hindu mob creating a violent scene outside the police station," Singh said.

"The police chief of the area even told us that 'this is a Hindu nation'. The police have changed colors with the change of government," he said. While ten pastors were released late the same night, the remaining two were not released until the next day, in spite of Christian lawyers and leaders arguing with the police about the illegal detention.

John Dayal, an outspoken Indian Christian leader, told those attending the September 2 meeting that "these incidents are not isolated. There is a clear strategy and plan behind it. Such instances are only spreading."

Hashmi, founder director of ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy), pointed out that more than 600 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported in less than 100 days of Modi's government. "It is time for all to join hands and protest," she urged.

Source: World Watch Monitor

Father, as we who live in relative peace and safety reflect on our fellow Christians who dwell in places of persecution, words cannot express our concern for the level of persecution that our brothers and sisters around the world face. Our minds want to seek answers… but we know that Your Word says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." (James 1:2) So today, along with Christians in India, we celebrate the unity that You are bringing to the church there; that through this persecution, You are drawing church leaders of all denominations together. Grant them the courage to continue in this quest to bring awareness of the situation. As a result, may a mighty revival of Your Spirit move throughout India, drawing many into Your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus, in whom we find joy in whatever circumstances, Amen.
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Bhutanese Pastors Found Guilty
Sep 22 2014

Bhutan

Recently, you were asked to pray for Tandin Wangyal and Mon Thapa, two Bhutanese pastors who were facing charges after holding a Christian conference in a house church in Dorokha. On Sept. 10, they were both found guilty by Dorokha Court's presiding judge.

Thapa (also known as David) was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he was released on Sept. 12, after he paid the court's fine of 98,800 Ngultrum (around $2,000) in exchange for jail time.

Tandin was sentenced to three years and eleven months in prison without bail on charges of soliciting funds from the public for personal gain. But on Sep. 15, Pastor Tandin Wangyal was granted a one-year bail after spending four nights at the Samtse Central Jail. He paid $750 for the bail.

"This doesn't mean that he will be free for one year," said a local source, unnamed for security reasons. "It only means that he would be able to attend court hearings while his appeal for reconsideration will be heard by a different court, the Samtse higher court. It is hard to say how long the hearings will go on."

Tandin was convicted on Sep. 10 with two charges. First was for showing a film without official permit as required under Sections 105 and 110 of Bhutan's Media Act of 2007. For this, the convicted pastor has been sentenced to eight months of prison term. The second charge was collecting funds from a foreign agency between 2012 to Mar 2014 – a felony that carries a penalty of three years and three months. It is a non-bailable offense.

During his four nights at the Samtse Central Jail, Tandin described experiencing intimacy with God that he had not experienced before. "He became closer to God, as he spent most of his time in prayer," the source told Open Doors. "On Sep. 15, at 3 am, while praying he had a vision; in it he saw an angel leading him by the hand. The door of the prison cell suddenly opened and he walked out. That same afternoon, the vision came true; at 3:45 pm, he was released!"

"Thank you for all your prayer support," Tandin said in an text message as soon as he left prison. "I am speechless and have no words to thank my 'Jesus'. Only He knows what I went through those four nights in Samtse Central Jail. If it was not for His grace and peace, I probably would have collapsed."

Tandin will be free on bail while the high court in Samtse reviews his appeal. The judge assigned to his case is Birkha Bahdur Tamang, who is of Nepali descent and known for his liberal views. With Birkha presiding, the pastor hopes for a fair trial. There are three possible outcomes: the court could still find Tandin guilty and order him to continue to serve his four-year sentence, the court could drag the case on to harass him and his family, or the court could reverse the guilty verdict. A former court registrar, who is a Christian, is helping the pastor prepare his appeal.

"Please continue to pray for Tandin," said Open Doors' source. "He appeared weak; he was nursing a viral fever and had an upset stomach due to the water that he drank while in Samtse jail. Pray also as he finalizes the appeal letter with the help of the former court registrar."

Consider writing a letter to Tandin and David to encourage them and let them know that you are praying for them. Click here for writing guidelines.

Father, as we celebrate Pastor Thapa's (David's) and Pastor Tandin's release, we praise You for providing funds to pay the fines. As they return home, give them wisdom and courage as they seek ways to resume doing Your work while avoiding further arrest. But Father, as pleased as we are with this outcome, our brother Tandin is still facing charges that could ultimately send him back to prison. Lord, grant him favor with the courts; that the charges brought against him will be dropped. Tandin said earlier, that this time of uncertainty, while awaiting the outcome of the court's decision, is so unsettling. Father, fill him with Your peace; provide him with wise counsel, and give him courage to face the outcome. God, during this time of waiting, may all of his words and actions bring honor and glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus, who is present in even our darkest moments, Amen.
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Boko Haram Declares Caliphate in Gwoza
Sep 01 2014

Nigeria

Insurgents raised their flags over Gwoza, a town of around 265,000 residents earlier this month. In a recently released video, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau congratulated his fighters on seizing the Gwoza, saying they have set up an Islamic caliphate in the towns and villages in northeastern Nigeria.

The approximately 52-minute-long video shows Shekau reading a statement from a notebook with a masked gunman on each side of him and three four-wheel-drive vehicles behind him in thinly forested bush.

"Allah has granted us success in Gwoza because we have risen to do Allah's work. Allah commands us to rule Gwoza by Islamic law. In fact, he commands us to rule the rest of the world, not only Nigeria, and now we have started," he stated in the video.

In the video, Shekau also taunted France, Israel and the United States. "Democracy is worse than homosexuality, worse than sleeping with your mother," Shekau says. "You are all pagans and we will kill you—even if you do not attack us, we will kill you ... Allah commands us to kill without pity."

The video continues with footage of what appears to be an attack on Gwoza by heavily armed fighters backed by heavy weaponry firing randomly into the hills, at what appear to be security forces and civilians fleeing. Afterwards, the fighters help themselves to weapons and ammunition seized from the security forces. The video ends with the gruesome murder of captives.

In response to the video, the government insisted that the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact."

Following the fierce fighting with Boko Haram around Gwoza, around 480 Nigerian soldiers crossed the border into Cameroon. The government, however, denied that the soldiers were fleeing. Major General Chris Olukolade, Nigeria's military spokesman, said the army launched an "operation" against Boko Haram in Gwoza, but "found themselves" in Cameroonian territory during a "tactical maneuver." Local media reported that the soldiers were disarmed by Cameroonian military and given shelter in a school. Gen. Olukolade said it was standard practice in such circumstances to hand over their weapons. He said the soldiers will return home.

Cameroon has officially closed its border with Nigeria to help contain the spread of Ebola and rumors that these soldiers fled will further damage the Nigerian army's public image. Last week, a group of soldiers refused to follow direct orders to fight Boko Haram, saying the militants were better equipped.

Boko Haram is also trying to claim the town of Madagali in Adamawa state near the border with Cameroon. According to local media, hundreds of sect members attacked the Madagali army base before taking over the town.

The executive chairman of Madagali, James Abawu Watharda, said the insurgents attacked the area with sophisticated weapons, including rocket-propelled launchers, improvised explosive devices and petrol bombs. They shot at people, set property on fire, and overpowered security operatives and vigilante groups before hoisting their flags. They destroyed at least five churches in the process. They also issued written warnings for residents of a neighboring village to vacate immediately.

Boko Haram reportedly withdrew from Madagali after holding the town for 24 hours. The offensive has nonetheless caused great displacement among the town's majority Christian population and for countless Christians from surrounding villages who had been taking refuge in Madagali. Most have now made their way to Mubi, about 80 kilometers away.

In a phone conversation with Open Doors, a local Christian lamented that life has become so difficult and full of uncertainty for believers in Nigeria. Boko Haram has destroyed at least 178 churches around Gwoza and more than 40,000 people, mostly Christians, have been displaced to Mubi, Uba and surrounding areas.

"The situation is becoming out of hand. The church can no longer support the large population of refugees from different parts of the northeast trooping to Mubi," explained an Open Doors worker.
Local church leaders told OD over the phone, "Only God can come to our aid in this situation. We are in a very difficult situation."

Father, we lift before Your throne these thousands of Christians who have been displaced by unrelenting violence in Borno State. Grant safety, perseverance, hope, and protection as they flee to Mubi. And we pray for the church in Mubi attempting to minister to their needs with insufficient space and diminishing supplies. We pray for Your provision, because without Your aid, they will not endure. We pray for the government of Nigeria as they plan a strategy for subduing the escalating terrorism. And we pray for the deliberate assault on Christ's church there. Through the lens of human resources, there is no hope for this nation. But You are a God of hope and of sufficiency, and so we pray that You would reach out Your hand of mercy and save them. In the name of Jesus, our only hope in this life and the next, Amen.
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Chibok Girls Have Spent Over 150 Days in Captivity
Sep 15 2014

Nigeria

In the immediate aftermath of their abduction, 47 girls managed to escape either during the attack or shortly after their arrival at the camp. Since then, no other girls have been returned to their families.

Dr. Stephen Davis, an Australian cleric, was appointed as presidential envoy in the negotiations with Boko Haram. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that since nobody knows the girls' location, he decided to use his contacts in the Shell gas company to see if they can help find the girls.

At the end of May, Dr. Davis expressed optimism that they would soon be able to secure the girls' release. In fact, he succeeded in getting a commitment from Boko Haram to release some of the girls.

"They told me they'd be prepared to release some as a goodwill gesture towards a peace deal with the government, so I went to Nigeria on the basis of being able to secure their release." The rebels honored their promise and brought 60 girls in 20 vehicles to an agreed upon location in Cameroon. But the release was sabotaged.

"We traveled for four-and-a-half hours to reach them, but 15 minutes before we arrived, they were kidnapped again by another group who wanted to cash in on a reward. The police had offered a reward of several million Naira just 24 hours before we went to pick them up. I understand from the Boko Haram commanders I spoke to that the girls eventually ended up back with them."

Dr. Davis has been in contact with the four girls who managed to escape from the camp. They left with the help of a young man who was also kidnapped by Boko Haram and forced to work as driver.

One of the girls had a cell phone with her. She had switched it off and kept it hidden in her clothing during their captivity, and was able to use it to call her parents while hiding in the bush after their escape. They had no idea where they were or how to get home. Their parents told them to continue walking west every evening – in the direction of the setting sun. They made it to the Cameroon border and were reunited with their families.

The escaped girls revealed that they were raped on an almost daily basis. They said that girls who do not cooperate face severe punishment.

Dr. Davis tried to make contact via text message with the young man that helped the girls escape and got a chilling response: "The person you are trying to contact has gone on a journey from which there is no return. He was an infidel."

Although the world's attention to the plight of the girls seems to be waning, it remains clear that they are in the hands of brutal men.

In May, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram released two videos to the French Press Agency in which he claimed that, "These girls you're talking about, some of them were Christian, but they converted to Islam […] They now accept that Allah is the only God and that Jesus is one of his messengers […] This is my message to the world and, yes, I'm content with that…The girls who did not convert to Islam will not be released as long as you detain our people […] But the Muslim girls are our sisters."

He also said, "I repeat, I'm going to sell these girls. I'm not going to release them as long as you detain our people and brutalize our own women… You're making too much noise about these schoolgirls."

After spending four months in Nigeria attempting to negotiate the girls' release, Dr. Davis returned to Australia. He said that through his dealing with Boko Haram, he realized that the kidnappings will not end. "It became very clear that if I was able to get 50 girls released then another group would kidnap 70 or 80 more."

In a telephone interview, he told Open Doors that in April, they were dealing with three separate factions that had agreed to work together. But now Boko Haram has become amalgamated, and is mutating very quickly. The involvement of outside forces such as Al Qaeda, ISIS and Al Shabaab is further radicalizing the group.

Although President Goodluck Jonathan remains under immense pressure to secure the girls' release, a rescue attempt is simply too dangerous at this time. The crisis is also unfolding against the backdrop of a very complex political landscape. Allegations that very high ranking politicians and international sponsors are in collusion with Boko Haram further complicate any negotiated settlement. So for now, the Chibok girls' ordeal drags on with their deeply distressed family members anxiously awaiting news about their daughters.

Father, we implore You on behalf of these young women to restore them quickly to their families. Protect and encourage them with a clear awareness of Your presence. As they seek ways to escape, give them wisdom and opportunity. Father, in the midst of their sorrow, we ask that You grant an uncommon peace to the parents of these girls, calming their gripping fear, and assuring them of Your presence with their daughters. In the name of Jesus, whose presence in us we reflect in this dark world, Amen.
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Christian Village Leader Freed; Another Still Jailed
Sep 08 2014

Laos

On Thursday, July 17, Lao local police arrested two believers for refusing to recant their faith. After more than a month in prison, one was released on Aug 23, for health reasons.

Tribal believers Loy*, 25, and Sulilath*, 22, were town leaders and church elders in a village in Bolikhamsai Province, Central Laos. Local authorities held them responsible for the increase in Christian population in their village from three to 12 families in a span of two years.

Pastor Kane*, a friend to the elders who witnessed their arrest shares, "The police were alarmed that the people in our village were becoming Christians so they visited Loy and Sulilath saying, 'We don't allow Christians here. If you don't deny Jesus, you only have two choices—leave town or go to jail.' Loy and Sulilath chose to stay."

For 37 days, Loy and Sulilath were locked in separate cramped jail cells. With little space for movement, Loy developed perpetual back pain and leg cramps. This development led the prison officials to release him from jail.

"After he got out, Loy took his wife and two children out of the village immediately," says Pastor Kane. "His family now stays with a close friend in another district." Sulilath, however, remains behind bars.

The communist government of Laos believes that its national identity is directly linked with Buddhism. This government stance makes it common for tribal Christians like Loy and Sulilath to be expelled from their villages, and even tortured and imprisoned by their neighbors, relatives, and local officials for choosing to follow Jesus Christ. Laos ranks 21st on Open Doors' 2014 World Watch List.

Father, we pray for believers in Laos who have turned to faith in Christ despite the threat of expulsion from their homes and even of imprisonment and torture. Thank You for their testimony of faith. Today, we lay before Your throne our brother Sulilath as he remains in prison. Father, be his constant presence and strength to meet the challenges of each day, and that You would help him to know we are praying for him. While we give thanks and praise for Loy's release, we pray for him and his family; that You would sustain them with shelter, food, and protection. Grant brother Loy wisdom and protection, that he might continue to work on behalf of Your church. In the name of Jesus, whose promise never to leave us or forsake us, gives us hope in our darkest hours, Amen.

*Real names and specific places were hidden to protect the believers
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Colombian Pastors Caught amidst Invisible War Lines
Sep 01 2014

Colombia

Residents in Buenaventura, Colombia are struggling for survival in a city divided by invisible battle lines and a booming cocaine trade. The sounds of constant gunfire, threats, and violence fill the air as many residents of the busy seaport city have been forced to flee their homes to avoid the conflict that is consuming the region.

Buenaventura's unstable conditions and poor economy make it a hotbed of violence and drug trafficking. The city's once pristine shore is now a hub for the underground drug trade, which moves approximately 250 tons of cocaine through the waterways each year, largely on speedboats headed for Costa Rica and Panama. Amidst the constant fighting between the four illegal armed groups seeking control over Buenaventura and the largely unsupervised youth engaging in criminal activities, an end to the increasing violence is nowhere in sight. The city is also overwhelmed with crimes at the hands of drug traffickers who have no regard for human life; even children in the city are kidnapped or brutally murdered as bargaining chips.

Among those struggling for survival in Buenaventura are 23 pastors whose lives and congregations have been uprooted by the violence. While most pastors have fled Buenaventura because of fear or the threat of financial penalties, a few have chosen to stay. Faced with tremendous pressure, pastors who remain face constant threats of extortion and opposition from guerilla members.

During a meeting with Open Doors, these courageous pastors shared their stories of persecution and how they continue sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the guerilla members.

Pastor Hernando Parra (alias) saw a gospel opportunity in a region notorious for criminal gang violence and chose to reach out to the very individuals who are terrorizing the city. With a team of young believers, Parra obtained entrance to the area once a week, ministering to the troubled individuals within the local gangs. The team continued to work in Buenaventura until December 2013, when members of an armed illegal group told them that they could no longer continue evangelizing.

Another pastor stood up to a guerilla fighter face-to-face when he was ordered to leave his home and his congregation. The man threatened him with extortion, but the pastor firmly resisted. In the face of the pastor's steadfast refusal to back down, the guerilla member eventually left and did not return.

Some pastors however have been less eager to become targets for these guerilla groups. Some, gripped by fear, have remained silent in the wake of the gruesome deaths of fellow believers who have spoken out. Many believers and residents of Buenaventura who have chosen to resist the guerrillas and report the violence and activities of the warlords have been brutally murdered in killing houses, or casas de pique.

Following relentless acts of violence, kidnappings and blackmail against the Christian community, pastors are seeing their congregations displaced and scattered. Death threats, extortion, and murders continue to increase as guerilla members intensify persecution tactics. The Christian retreat from Buenaventura has now become a mass exodus.

In light of the persecution and violence, pastors in Buenaventura gather regularly for prayer and fasting. Open Doors recently paved the way for the President of the Colombian Evangelical Council to travel to the city to speak with local pastors, showing them that they are not forgotten. Pastors in the region report that through much prayer and fasting, they have seen God's mighty hand at work.

The believers of Buenaventura continue to share the gospel even in the midst of adversity and fear, resisting both the visible drug war on the streets and the unseen spiritual battle raging on in the hearts and minds of the people of Buenaventura.

Father, thank You for the confidence we can have, that even in the midst of evil and bloodshed, in the midst of persecution against Your people, You are there. You hear their cries. You grant courage and wisdom and peace. You protect their souls from the onslaught of our archenemy, Satan. We pray Your comfort to rest on the families of those who grieve the loss of loved ones who have been brutally murdered. Give them confidence from Your Word; that the slain ones who were in You are now whole and at peace, rejoicing in Your glorious presence. Grant them daily courage and strength to face whatever comes before them. Dispel fear with a growing knowledge of who You are, and grant wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, whether to stay or to flee. And, as they share the gospel of Christ with their neighbors and with their enemies, bring fruit; that a mighty army of Christ might overcome the spiritual darkness in Buenaventura. In the name of Jesus, who in our times of weakness becomes our strength, Amen.
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Egyptian Christians Kidnapped in Libya
Sep 08 2014

Libya

According to the well-informed Libya Herald, four Egyptian Christians were kidnapped by unknown armed assailants, while traveling from Tripoli to the Egyptian border.

According to the Libya Herald, "they were in a vehicle with three other Egyptians, all Muslims, and had just passed through Sirte when they were stopped at a checkpoint. Armed men asked to see the passengers' papers and passports. Then they began asking each passenger about his religious beliefs."

According to one of the other passengers, when the armed men realized that four of the Egyptians were Christians, they forced the Christians to get out of the car, and ordered the driver to leave with the other three men. One of the passengers and the driver tried to ask what was going to happen to the victims. The abductors became angry and began to threaten them, demanding that they leave immediately.

When the remaining passengers reached Egypt, one of them informed the family of the victims. According to a human rights group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been notified and has promised to take action.

The four men have been identified; they are brothers Jamal Matta Hakim, Rafat Matta Hakim, and Romani Matta Hakim, and the son of their cousin, Adel Sadiki Hakim.

Fierce fighting between warring militia groups is on the rise in Libya. This is partially due to the weak national government which has been unable to control the violence in the country. Several foreign Christians have been killed this year, and many foreign workers have been forced to leave the country because of the security situation.

Open Doors recognizes this incident is a result of the current instability in the country. The position of national and foreign believers has been rapidly deteriorating since last year, making this the most difficult North African country in which to be a Christian. In the absence of the rule of law, violence against Christians has increased. Previously, the main source of persecution was the government and its secret services; now, it is Islamist extremist movements, such as the Salafists. Most Christians are afraid to meet with other believers, as any kind of non-Islamic religious gathering for Libyans is forbidden; ex-pats can have their own churches, but Libyans are not allowed to attend.

Father, we pray for these four men, the Matta brothers and their cousin Adel; that they might be returned safely to their families. We pray for an end to such incidents and for justice to rule. We pray also for other Libyan and foreign Christians in the country; that in their isolation, You will protect them and provide for ways to fellowship and worship with other believers. Teach them how to be Your ambassadors in a land that is hostile to Christ and His followers. We pray for the extremists; that Your Holy Spirit might confront them with the truth of Christ, and that they might lay down their swords and seek peace. In the name of Jesus, who hears the cries of His people and is their strength in times of weakness, Amen.
======================

Egyptian Fire Crew in No Hurry to Put Out Church Fire. Sep 15 2014. Egypt. The pounding on the door shook Mina Hanna awake. A neighbor brought urgent news: Fire at the church. It was 3 a.m.

Hanna and his younger brother, Ibrahim Saber, ran to their church, Mar Girgis Coptic Orthodox, in the Sharara village in the center of Abu Qurqas, a city of about 60,000 people in Minya Province located about 150 miles south of Cairo.

They found the back room of Mar Girgis in flames with smoke pouring from the rear door. Hanna immediately called the fire department. He then called the priest, Rev. Abdel Massih Obaid, who quickly arrived at the church. He, too, called the fire department.

Hanna reports that during the next 90 minutes he and the members of Mar Girgis and its neighbors formed a bucket brigade to quench the fire. No one was hurt, but he said the blaze destroyed the rear of the small church building and its contents: the priest's office, church records, books, pews and other furniture.

During those 90 minutes, multiple calls were made to the fire station. Around 5:30 a.m. a fire truck finally arrived at the church; the fire had already been out for an hour.

"There is hatred inside the hearts of many Muslims toward us. They consider us infidels," Hanna told World Watch Monitor. "They wanted the church to burn. The majority of Muslims, especially in Upper Egypt, are fanatics and hate us." Hanna acknowledged however that Muslim neighbors were among those helping to throw buckets of water onto the churches flames.

This lackadaisical response towards Christian emergencies is universal throughout Egypt. Christians who need help rarely receive prompt attention. For many years, watchdog groups have noted the Egyptian bureaucracy's tilt against Christians. In 1993, Human Rights Watch documented the myriad of ways the government denies and delays permits to build and repair churches. Church permits continue to require the signature of the president himself, while mosque construction is lightly, and locally, regulated.

More recently, Human Rights Watch catalogued examples of neglect by police and fire agencies, following the military's August 2013 crackdown on large demonstrations by the Muslim Brotherhood. Already angered by the Army's removal of then-President Mohamed Morsi, leader of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, Muslim mobs reacted to the violent breakup of the demonstrations by looting and burning scores of churches and Christian business across the country.

"Security forces were largely absent even when they had been informed of ongoing attacks," the report said. "For weeks, everyone could see these attacks coming, with Muslim Brotherhood members accusing Coptic Christians of a role in [Morsi's] ouster, but the authorities did little or nothing to prevent them," Joe Stork, acting Middle East director, said in the report.
Source: World Watch Monitor
Father, Your church has suffered greatly over the past few years. Today, we ask that You protect Your people in Egypt as they face increasing persecution. Father, we know that often struggles bring people together; we pray that Your people will be a light within their communities. May their testimony of joy, love and forgiveness be a witness, drawing many into a relationship with Christ Jesus. Praying in the name of Jesus, who loves His Church and sustains her with His all-surpassing power, Amen.
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Further Charges Against Iranian Pastor
Sep 22 2014

Iran

Pastor Behnam Irani, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2011, now faces 18 new charges, according to reports coming out of Iran.

Among the new charges against Pastor Irani is the charge of 'Mofsed-e-filarz', which translates to 'spreading corruption on earth', and carries with it the death penalty.

His health is weak, and he has been forced to spend long periods of time in solitary confinement. In June, Pastor Irani was taken from the prison and temporarily held in solitary confinement in an Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security detention center. On five occasions, he faced four-hour periods of interrogation.

Consider writing to Pastor Irani and other Iranian prisoners, and let them know that they have not been forgotten by their church family around the world. . Click here for writing guidelines.

Father, we thank You for the spiritual freedom You have bestowed on Pastor Behnam. But like the Apostle Paul before him, he is suffering in earthly chains. We pray that You will keep his eyes and heart turned toward You so that he may not fall into bitterness and despair. Fill him with Your purposes and strength and authority. Use him, Father, to proclaim Your gospel regardless of the circumstances. We pray with our brother from Your Word: "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (Eph. 6:13) In the name of Jesus, our Rock and our Salvation, Amen.
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Insecurity Continues in Nigeria; Spills into Cameroon
Sep 29 2014

Nigeria

On Friday, September 19th, as trading was in full swing in the northeastern town of Mainoik, Boko Haram fighters reportedly stormed the market place around 1:30pm, opening fire on traders and killing at least 36 people. Many who tried to escape the market area were killed by stray bullets or by vehicles as they attempted to flee across the highway. The town is less than 35 miles west of Borno's state capital Maiduguri. The military say they killed at least 48 insurgents as they fled the town.

One day before the assault on Mainoik, Boko Haram attacked the Federal College of Education in Kano. At least 15 people died in this attack. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the college, exchanging fire with police officers posted outside the grounds. There was at least one suicide bomber among the group whose explosives detonated when police shot him. The explosion caused the ceiling in one of the buildings to collapse. Several of the insurgents entered a lecture hall and opened fire on the students.

Boko Haram's violent attacks also occurred across the border in Cameroon. The militants launched their first assault in the early evening of September 18th in Assighassia. The army responded promptly; two militants were killed and a Cameroonian soldier injured in the ensuing fight. "Two hours later, the terrorist group again attacked the village of Ganse, and killed four civilians," state-run Cameroon Radio Television reported. More than 40,000 people have fled to Cameroon to escape Boko Haram attacks in northern Nigeria. Now, the danger is following them across the border, prompting the UNHCR to try to move these refugees further from the frontlines.

Meanwhile, the bishops of Nigeria, in a September 21st statement, called upon the Nigerian government to do more to protect lives and properties. "As Nigeria tragically bleeds and burns, we bishops are alarmed at the scale of human and material destruction, and at the disruption of village and community life with increased levels of hatred and the potential for more conflicts in the nation. While Muslims are sometimes targets of these destructive attacks, Christians churches and non-Muslims in general are the principal targets for extermination, expropriation and expulsion by the Boko Haram insurgents, the perpetrators of all this destruction… In the face of this Boko Haram group and other criminal militias arming themselves beyond our legitimate government and brazenly killing innocent, defenseless citizens, our government must do more than it is currently doing to safeguard our lives and defend our nation. It must do more than it is currently doing to fight off and disarm these actual destroyers of Nigerians and Nigeria. It must do more than it is currently doing to prevent segments of our nation from drifting into anarchy and mutual self-destruction and to bring criminals to justice," the bishops declared.

Father, we pray for the nation of Nigeria and the constant onslaught of Boko Haram attacks. You call us to trust in You, and not in governments or other man-made institutions who cannot save. And so we turn to You; that You will save and empower the nation's forces to combat these attacks in a way that it will be clear that it has come from You. We pray for Christians who faithfully come to church and worship each week, knowing the danger. We pray for the girls who were kidnapped and their families; that You would protect and reunite them. And we pray for the many who have lost homes and family members; that You would provide comfort and shelter and sustenance, and that You would grant hope. In the name of Jesus, their only hope (and ours) in this life, Amen.
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Iraq Blog - New perspectives
Sep 01 2014

Iraq

On behalf of Open Doors, Lydia writes about the current situation in Iraq. In the country to support the local team and to get in touch with Open Doors' partners in ministry, she is also there to bring the people she meets the message that they are not forgotten.

Today is my last day in this shaken country. Tomorrow, I will be leaving Iraq and going back home. Just like that. So easy. A huge contrast to the lives of the people I have met during the past few days. On several occasions, Christians communicated in sign-language they would love to go with me—by putting both their index fingers together and making the suggestion of flying away.

There are times I feel deep sorrow, and then the next moment, I can't help but laugh out loud about something that is happening or what someone is saying. It is an emotional rollercoaster, and somehow still my body and stomach are protesting against it in a way.

Today, we visited an unfinished concrete building that houses over 100 Christian families. Part of the space is divided by canvas with a "home" for every family, but in other parts of the building, they just live in the open. The displaced Christians are taken care of by the people of Saint Joseph's Church.

I must admit that photogenic places like these are a photographers' dream; on the other hand, I feel like a paparazzo. These people lost everything, even their privacy, and then on top of that, as a stranger and foreigner, I come and take pictures of their distress.

But instead of being offended, they welcome me as a friend. A young student tells me in his best English that it is very important that we tell their story to the world through pictures and writing. They even ask me to take pictures of them. They are thanking me for being there. It is all a matter of perspective. Especially the children are very fond of their picture being taken. And they are so cute!

After five days of visiting churches, refugee camps, houses, pastors and co-workers, I have learned so much and have seen such great faith. Even when people go through the darkest valley, if there is faith, then there is love, hope and even laughter.

Pastor Douglas, for example, motivates the children to feel responsible for the hygiene of the tent camp at the church yard. At the end of each day, he calls for the "garbage moment." Every full bag of garbage boys and girls can show him will be rewarded with some cookies, drinks or other small items. Apart from having a fun moment, by doing so, it also teaches them to keep the place clean, and that it is good to take care of your surroundings.

Another Pastor tells me that he motivates people to participate in the support to other refugees. He says, "It helps them to have some purpose in life, and it helps them to focus on the good things. Seeing the great need of others sometimes helps them to be thankful for the things they still have, like food, a place to stay and family."
Another great initiative is to help churches in creating child-friendly spaces- a special place or tent where children can be just children. Makruhi is a trainer with one of Open Doors' partners; she recently started teaching churches how to create such child-friendly spaces. This project also includes training workers. She prepares the workers by telling them what they can expect in the behavior of the ones that are traumatized. She also shows them how to respond to the aggressive behavior some children may have. In short, the message will always be to try to understand the reason a child may be aggressive. Never respond in anger, but show them love and compassion. And, if necessary, provide a correction to counterbalance the misbehavior.
The child-friendly space that has been setup in one of the camps looks great. It is a large blue tent, padded with colorful cloth on the inside. Through a local partner, Open Doors sponsored the tent, all the little chairs for the children, the fans to cool the tent and even the children's games. Pastor Daniel and the children can't wait to start!
Children are the future. I'm confident that when they are healthy both physically and spiritually, there will be hope for this country. The ethnic and religious boundaries are sharp in Iraq—Christian or Muslim, but also inside the church, Orthodox, Evangelical or Catholic. However, if the children of today learn about hope and love, they will know how to live in peace with each other. Then they will get the chance to make a difference for their own lives, and also for the future of their country.
Father, thank You for the resiliency You have created in children to enjoy life, whatever their circumstances. Where we have forgotten that skill, give us faith to relearn it. We pray for these children in the refugee camps, asking that You continue to provide food, shelter and a safe place to learn and grow. Show them Yourself in dramatic ways, and draw them near to Your heart that they might always walk in Your way. We pray also for those who are working with the children, that You will daily give them the energy, resourcefulness, and wisdom to lead well and to be effective disciples. And very soon, bring about an end to the oppression of ISIS, and an end to war. In the name of Jesus, who calls us to come to Him as little children, Amen.
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A Nepali pastor sentenced to twelve years in prison for slaughtering a cow has been released early after a court declared him not guilty on July 17. Reverand Chhedar Lhomi Bhote, 37, had served two years of his sentence.

Bhote was arrested in October 2012, after a Hindu mob burned down his home in northeastern Nepal, where he and his wife were ministering to Tibetans. The mob accused him of eating beef, which is taboo in Nepal, but not actually illegal for non-Hindus, and of killing a cow. Although the law is rarely enforced, intentionally slaughtering a cow, a sacred animal to Nepal's majority Hindus, is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

Hindu society is very sensitive to how other faiths regard their sacred animal. Some Hindu groups have recently alleged that Christians encourage new converts to show disrespect to Hindu symbols, including the cow. These reports are causing anger and accusations of forced conversion in Nepali society.

A Hindu protest group called Vedic Sanatan Hindu Rastha Nepal, recently brought cow slaughter into the spotlight by carrying out a month-long hunger strike. Hindu holy man Yuva Sant Shri Shrinevasacharya led the strike, declaring, "Hindus, Hindu gurus, and other organizations should unite to fight against the growing number of crimes against our identity and culture. We will no longer sit aside and watch as cows are slaughtered in this sacred land of our ancestors."

Hindu groups are linking cow slaughter to faith conversion – two issues that many Hindus find unacceptable in the Hindu-majority country. In addition, missionaries and Christian NGOs are often accused of using promises of money and education to lure poor non-Christians into the faith.

Reports show that Christianity is among the fastest growing faiths in the country where more than 75 percent of the population is Hindu. According to Operation World, although Nepal's Christian population is only 2.85 percent, the rapid growth of Christianity – contrasted to the declining numbers of Hindus– is a major concern for Hindu leaders.

The 2001 census showed the Christian population to be 180,000; by the 2011, 375,699 identified themselves as Christian, more than double from ten years prior.

The number of churches in Nepal has also increased substantially. In the Banke district alone, the number of churches has quadrupled from 10 to 40 since Nepal became a secular state in 2006 following the deposition of its king.

Kamal Thapa, the leader of the Hindu nationalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-Nepal), has been vocal about the issue. He recently said that, "US dollars are being poured into the country to lure an innocent Hindu population to convert to Christianity." According to Nepali law, an individual has the right to change their religion and practice the religion they wish; there is, however, a prohibition against attempting to convert people, and the line is often blurred.

Yuva Sant Shri Shrinevasacharya laments that Christians, funded by aid agencies, are "helping to destroy the legacy of Hinduism in Nepal," adding that, "so far, our protest has been peaceful, but if cow killing and conversion continues, we will have to use other means."

Accusations of Christian proselytism have intensified at a time when Nepali Hindus are also seeing their country become more secular, which they fear will "dilute" the Hindu population. They are also growing more confident in asserting their authority over Christians because of the success of Hindu nationalism in neighboring India, which saw a Hindu-led government elected in May. During a recent visit to Nepal, Narendra Modi, India's newly elected prime minister, exerted pressure on Nepal's Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, to heed the country's Hindu culture.

Christian leaders claim that the state has not fully accepted its secular identity and continues to favor Hinduism. They also recount that Christians continue to face persecution in society. In December 2013, a church building and the homes of four Christian converts were set on fire. In April of this year, Christians and other religious minorities were asked to "reconsider their faith" ahead of a new plan requiring all Nepali citizens to register for an identity card.

Source: World Watch Monitor

Father, we pray for our Nepalese brothers as they experience increased opposition by the RPP-Nepal party and others who favor a Hindu identify in Nepal. We pray that the Hindus' fear of Christians will be softened by Your Spirit, as they encounter true believers' godly lives. We pray protection over the Christians as persecution increases, and for much wisdom about how to stand in the strength of Christ, while also showing compassion toward those who would oppose them. At the same time, we stand in awe that in the midst of much opposition, Your Church is growing in Nepal! In the name of Jesus, who in spite of opposition, is growing His Church across the globe, Amen.
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